Tucked between the Ocean City Boardwalk and the elegant Flanders Hotel is a piece of history that most people walk right past without even realizing. 

While The Flanders Hotel is well-known for its grand accommodations and nearly a century of history, few people know that its saltwater pools were once a training ground for marines during World War II.

Building the Pools: A Bold Move in 1929

Back in 1929, when Ocean City was becoming the go-to spot for summer vacations, the management at The Flanders Hotel made a pretty ambitious move. They decided to build not just one, but three saltwater swimming pools between the hotel and the new Boardwalk. These weren't just any pools. The main pool was Olympic-sized and chest-deep—ideal for a serious swim or cooling off. There was also a smaller, deeper pool for diving and a children’s pool just 18 inches deep for the little ones.

Wartime Transformation: Training Marines in 1943

Fast forward to 1943, with the war in full swing, and these pools took on a whole new purpose. The Atlantic County Naval Training Station, located nearby, needed a place to prepare their sailors for war challenges.

The Flanders pools, with their saltwater and different depths, were perfect for this. Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer, groups of 75 sailors would head to the pools for intense training sessions. These guys weren’t just splashing around—they were learning critical skills like swimming, diving from the high board, staying underwater, and performing rescue holds.

Ocean City’s Lifesaving Legacy

Ocean City, NJ’s ties to maritime safety go back even further. Almost 30 years before the U.S. Coast Guard was even a thing, the U.S. Life-Saving Service had already built 45 life-saving stations along New Jersey’s coast, including one right here in Ocean City at 4th Street and Atlantic Avenue. This station opened in 1886 and was crucial in saving lives, like the time they rescued all 35 crew members from the Sindia after it ran aground in 1901

During World War II, the life-saving station was reactivated from 1941 to 1945 to support anti-saboteur and submarine beach patrols. The station’s historical significance was recognized in 2013 when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From Marine Training to Thrill Rides

Today, the pools at The Flanders Hotel are long gone, but the site where they once splashed and trained is still full of life—literally. Playland’s Castaway Cove now occupies the lot, bringing fun and excitement to visitors with its theme park rides. So, next time you’re at Castaway Cove, take a second to imagine the history beneath your feet. From training marines to thrilling rides, this spot has seen it all.

For more on Ocean City’s history, the Ocean City Historical Museum offers fascinating insights into the island’s past and its evolution over the years.